Body Found in Orangeburg, Could Be Missing Man's

Orangeburg, SC (WLTX) -- Orangeburg officers say they found the body of a man that could be that of 38-year-old restaurant worker Yu Ming Li, who was reported missing on Saturday.

Officials with the Orangeburg Department of Public Safety say they are waiting to speak with Li's family members before they confirm that a body found in a canal is that of Li, who also went by "Ricky."

Chief Wendell Davis told News19 that a property owner was showing his home to a friend Friday, when the man discovered what appeared to be a body floating in the canal behind his home. The man called police, and ever since, officers have been working to identify the body.

They say that all indications lead them to believe that it is Li's body. At last check, the coroner was currently conducting an autopsy to determine whether foul play led to the man's death.

Although officials would not say what shape the body was in, they did say that it appeared to have been in the water for a few days.

Li worked at China Express at 1051 John C. Calhoun Drive in Orangeburg. Officers say they and Li's fellow employees have checked the restaurant worker's residence a number of times since the 38-year-old was reported missing on May 1.

Officers say Li did not have a history of mental illness, use of medication, or suicidal behavior.